10 Year Study of Soil Carbon Stocks in Organic Ag

A new long-term study published in Scientific Reports finds that organic farming systems using reduced tillage, compost, and mulch applications can significantly increase soil organic carbon stocks over time. The research tracked changes in temperate agricultural soils over a ten year period, offering rare field-based evidence on how management practices influence carbon storage.

The study found that combining organic amendments with reduced soil disturbance led to measurable increases in soil carbon, particularly in topsoil layers. Practices such as compost application and mulch addition contributed to greater carbon inputs, while reduced tillage helped limit carbon losses by minimizing soil disruption.

Researchers also observed improvements in soil structure and biological activity, both of which are linked to the stabilization of carbon in soils. However, gains were not uniform across all soil depths, with most increases concentrated near the surface rather than in deeper soil layers.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence that organic and regenerative practices can play a role in climate mitigation by enhancing soil carbon storage. The authors note that outcomes depend on specific management practices and site conditions, and that long-term monitoring is essential to fully understand carbon dynamics in agricultural systems.

The study provides further support for soil-centered approaches that prioritize organic matter inputs and reduced disturbance as strategies to improve resilience and long-term productivity.

Sources: Krauss, M. et al. “Soil organic carbon stocks after ten years of reduced tillage, compost and mulch application in temperate organic agriculture.” Scientific Reports, 2026.

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